A 12-week randomized controlled trial published in Nutrition Journal found significant improvements in the mental health scores of participants who took turmeric capsules.
For the study, the researchers invited 90 men and women between ages 50 to 69 years old, who are considered overweight based on their body mass index (BMI). The participants were divided into two groups.
The turmeric extract group took two capsules daily for 12 weeks. Prepared by the House of Wellness Foods, the capsules contained a mixture of hot water and supercritical carbon dioxide extract with turmeric as well as gelatin, glycerin, soybean-derived emulsifier and beeswax. The other group took two placebo capsules containing carob and tartrazine as coloring agents to match the color of the turmeric capsules.
The participants reported to the institute on the fourth, eighth and 12th week to have their weight, BMI and C-reactive protein measured. They also answered questionnaires on their mood states and quality of life.
“Compared with the placebo group, body weight, body mass index and serum levels of C-reactive protein and the complement component were significantly lower in the group that took the turmeric capsules. In addition, the turmeric extract group showed a significant improvement in the SF-36 (the 36-item short-form health survey) subscale score for mental health and the profile of mode state score for anger and hostility,” the researchers involved in the study wrote.
The researchers concluded that turmeric extract may improve mental health by reducing low-grade inflammation and alleviating undesirable symptoms related to inflammation. Low-grade inflammation is related to aging, obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle. This can also be associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, mood disturbance, cancer and mortality.
“Results suggest that daily intake of a mixture of a hot water extract and supercritical carbon dioxide extract of turmeric may have the potential to improve mental health and negative mood state by reducing chronic low-grade inflammation,” the researchers wrote.
The study was conducted in Japan by the House of Wellness Foods Corporation’s Research & Development Institute.
Turmeric: One of the most studied spices in the world
Turmeric is a golden spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and one of the most studied spices in the world. Dozens of research have long established that turmeric has some amazing medicinal properties, with major benefits to the heart and brain.
It is anti-inflammatory and recommended by many herbalists and naturopaths for people suffering from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease.
Turmeric also has natural antibiotic and antiviral properties. Consuming foods or beverages with turmeric is a good way to go if someone is suffering from the flu or an infection. Turmeric has compounds that can naturally help kill off both bacteria and viruses and help the body recover more quickly from microbial attacks.
Curcumin, one of the main active ingredients in turmeric, has been shown in several studies to help prevent or treat different types of cancer, including melanoma ands cancers of the breast or prostate gland.
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, helping with digestion, blood sugar balance and the removal of waste products before they can harm the body. Turmeric helps detoxify the liver before it becomes compromised.
This golden spice can be easily incorporated into any diet and be added to a lot of recipes. With just a pinch of the powder, one can enjoy the difference it makes to the taste of curries, stir-fries, casseroles and even smoothies.
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